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Kissing Jessica Stein | Year: 2001 Classification: Comedy Directed: - Charles Herman-Wurmfeld Actors/Actresses: - Scott Cohen - Jennifer Westfeldt - Heather Juergensen Loved the movie, despised the ending "Kissing Jessica Stein" is one of the best movies I've ever seen, and contains perhaps the most touching, heartfelt, and believable romances in modern film. Frustrated single girl Jessica Stein decides to try something different (to put it mildly) and answer a lesbian personal ad in the paper; never did she expect to meet Helen. The two lead actresses are also the writers and producers of the is fine movie, and they are FANTASTIC. Westfeldt (Jessica) and Juergensen (Helen) are both radiant and adorable, and share rare, utterly convincing chemistry. The movie is hilarious, wildly romantic, touching, and poignant, all blended into one bittersweet milkshake. Jessica and Helen just make the most adorable and gorgeous couple ever. It's difficult to choose a favourite, since both girls are so beautiful and likeable. Women and romantic straight men should greatly enjoy this movie. And special mention must go to Tovah Feldshuh, who played Jessica's mother and was in the most heartwrenching and touching scene in the movie. You'll know what I'm talking about when you go see it. That said, I found the ending greatly unappealing. I felt like cheated by the ending, like a cop-out. In the DVD commentary, Juergensen and Westfeldt defend their decision for the nature of the ending, and I can see where they're coming from, but personally I don't agree. I just feel that the tone and events of the ending are incongruous with evidence from the rest of the movie, and that it should not have occurred. It did not seem to me that this was the ending we were headed towards, and I felt the ending we did get was forced and artificial. My apologies for the vagueness, but I'm trying not to give too much away. Other than that, prepare for a rare treat of a movie. Brilliant Acting, Sharp Writing, Funny and Touching This film had something for everyone: a loving view into a Jewish family, including a beautiful Shabbat ceremony we rarely get to see on-screen; a relationship between two women, each of whom wants to find the right someone who "gets" her; and a theme about having the courage to go after the things you want the most. Scott Cohen is gorgeous and appealing as Josh Meyers, Jessica Stein's difficult boss, ex-boyfriend and friend of her brother. Cohen moves Josh from bitter and judgmental through a significant journey, especially when he sees Jessica summon the courage to be happy and seek her dreams. He shows off his unique ability to bring complexity and heart to otherwise difficult characters. He sings beautifully, too! Tovah Feldshuh is brilliant and touching as the Jewish mother with a true understanding of her daughter. This is no caricature here: she has one of the most touching scenes in the entire film. Jackie Hoffman was fun and funny as Jessica's best friend and coworker Joan, who lives vicariously through Jessica and Helen's adventures. Jennifer Westfeldt (Jessica Stein) and Heather Juergensen (Helen Cooper) wrote, produced and starred in this wonderful, touching, funny view of single life in New York today. In fact, New York itself was a character in this film, providing both opportunities and barriers to the relationships among the characters. The writing and performances are fast and brilliant, and the characters are drawn very well. It's sometimes hard to hear this fast-paced film because the audience is laughing so much. I highly recommend it! a nice romantic comedy that happens to be about two women A film by Charles Herman-Wurmfeld I hope that this movie does not get dismissed or categorized as "that cute lesbian movie" because "Kissing Jessica Stein" is much better than that. Jessica Stein (Jennifer Westfeldt) seems to be channeling Woody Allen (in his "Annie Hall" days), as a neurotic, Jewish, single woman who is not having much success dating. Feeling depressed about her dating life, she decides to answer a personal ad...but this is a "female seeking same" personal ad and Jessica is not a lesbian. The woman who placed the ad is Helen Cooper (Heather Jurgensen), who when Jessica tries to get out of the "date" is able to talk into staying. This begins a friendship that quickly moves into an awkward relationship. Jessica is interested in Helen, but has to move very slowly in becoming physical because of her inhibitions and fears. "Kissing Jessica Stein" is a romantic comedy that just happens to be about two women rather than a man and a woman. "Kissing Jessica Stein" is a charming, witty, romantic comedy and is a rather cute movie. The acting is excellent and Jennifer Westfeldt turns in a better Woody Allen performance than Woody has done in more than a decade, and she is cuter and sweeter than Woody. Jessica's neurosis is toned down, but we do see that her choices have something to do with how her dating life has turned out. But, it is in the relationship between Jessica and Helen that this movie is really strong. The film captures their frustrations and the building of their relationship very well that it feels real and not forced. This is a film about their relationship and because of this (and the performances), it works. Buy Kissing Jessica Stein at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Kissing Jessica Stein Search with the Priority Search Engine on Kissing Jessica Stein This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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